As a healthcare worker, your day is nothing but routine, so it’s hard to get onto a healthy eating schedule. Here are a few habits you can get into.
FAST IN THE MORNING
So how do you eat healthy when you’re in the healthcare industry? Well, for one, skip breakfast! Everyone is conditioned to grab a bite in the morning but it’s actually pretty easy one you get the hang of it. Our program endorses intermittent fasting as a lifestyle because of the dramatic effects it can have inside and out. It’s backed by science and so helpful getting over that plateau. And it’s not as tough as you think. Start slow by ending your meals at 8pm and don’t eat anything until 8am. This is a window that’s easiest because you’ll be sleeping anyway and you can start slow. Gradually, you can work your way up to a 16-window (if you’re hesitant to get started, try our intermittent fasting guide for healthcare workers). With intermittent fasting, you can sip on coffee or tea to get you through before having a snack around 10am.
Secondly, while the cafeteria or food shop is convenient, most of what they offer is processed and high in sugar and carbs. A study (1) by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that when hospital employees eat unhealthy foods from the cafeteria, it carries over to outside of work. When you’re a member of the FASTer Way program, you’ll have access to meal plans with macros clearly labeled. You’ll know exactly what’s in these meals so you don’t have to keep nibbling from the snack drawer all day.
SHOP FOR WHOLE FOODS
Another key is taking time to go to the grocery. After three 12-hour shifts in a row, a day off is needed for a snooze fest to relax and recharge. Shopping is sometimes the last thing on your mind. But those who have fresh, whole foods at home are more likely to stick to a healthy plan than those who don’t. On your breaks at work, make a shopping list full of healthy ingredients. Take advantage of your days off by checking off your grocery list and then preparing meals ahead of time.
If you’re worried the grocery will be out of fresh foods, fear not. We’ve got you covered with Healthy Foods You Can Still Find at the Grocery.
As a healthcare worker, you already know the benefits of a healthy diet, and how the COVID-19 crisis is most adversely affecting those with underlying health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes. A good diet has been shown to improve memory (important for your line of work), better sleep and a positive attitude. A friendly mood serves your patients and co-workers, so get in the habit now and see the benefits when you are stressed and tackling task after task.
TELL YOUR CO-WORKERS
Studies also show that it’s beneficial when someone starts a healthy eating program at work. Co-workers tend to join in and it can have a ripple effect. The end result is less absenteeism, higher productivity and less expensive for the company you work for.
If you have a friend or family member in the healthcare industry, pass the good message along about how The FASTer Way to Fat Loss is helping people burn fat, reduce stress and be well.
Many of you already know this and are living proof that The FASTer Way program transforms lives. We challenge you to take the next step and join our VIP program where you’ll get advanced coaching, meal plans, fun challenges and discounts in our FASTer Way Shop. Six weeks is a great start for healthy living but sometimes it takes more time to turn around a true lifestyle.
1https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(19)30145-X/fulltext
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